I was privileged to be part of a community of wonderful, artistic people this September, at North Cascades Institute, during their annual Art Retreat. Kristen Gilje, Jocelyn Curry and I, each facilitated classes in our respective art-forms. We were treated to the best food, all fresh from nearby Skagit Valley farms, prepared by the artisan-chefs. … [Read more...]

What a joy it was for Elizabeth and me to see what these students had accomplished in four days. These types of introductory workshops are always more about the process than the product, but it is meaningful for students of any age to have physical reminders of what they are learning. I have noticed that when students begin working with Western … [Read more...]

This summer I had the privilege of spending four days on Lake Diablo, in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington State. But I certainly wasn’t roughing it. I got to stay in a beautiful lodge, and eat wonderful, fresh, organic food, artfully prepared. The best part of my experience was being able to share time with the amazing group of students … [Read more...]

About Melinda

Thirty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. The experience of weaving with the materials at hand while being together with my sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, kindled a passion for creating art from natural plant materials. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.Read More